Heritage Assistant / Researcher
Location: Abbeyleix Heritage House, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 4:45 pm (with flexibility required for occasional evening and weekend work during events)
About the Role
Abbeyleix Heritage House is seeking a motivated, reliable, and enthusiastic Heritage Assistant / Researcher to join our team. This is a varied and rewarding role, combining heritage research, genealogy services, visitor engagement, administration, and the day-to-day operation of our heritage centre. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering an excellent visitor experience while helping to preserve and promote the rich history of Abbeyleix and the surrounding area.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct genealogy research and provide genealogy services to visitors and clients.
- Assist with historical research projects and maintain accurate research records.
- Manage and oversee all social media platforms, creating engaging content to promote Abbeyleix Heritage House, exhibitions, events, and local heritage.
- Welcome visitors and provide informative, engaging guided tours of the museum and exhibitions.
- Prepare and set up the meeting room for bookings, community groups, and events.
- Provide reception cover when required, including welcoming visitors, answering telephone and email enquiries, processing admissions, and handling retail sales.
- Assist with the general upkeep and presentation of the building, including light cleaning duties as required.
- Support the planning and delivery of heritage events, exhibitions, and educational activities.
- Maintain a professional, friendly, and helpful approach when dealing with visitors, volunteers, researchers, and community groups.
- Undertake other reasonable duties as required to support the efficient operation of Abbeyleix Heritage House.
Essential Skills and Qualities
- Highly reliable, dependable, and punctual.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Outstanding customer service skills with a friendly and welcoming manner.
- A keen interest in Irish history, local heritage, and genealogy.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
- Good organisational skills with attention to detail.
- Comfortable using computers, email, and social media platforms.
- Flexible approach to work and willingness to assist across different areas of the organisation.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Third-level qualification in History, Heritage, Archaeology, Museum Studies, or a related discipline is an advantage but is not essential.
- Experience in genealogy research would be beneficial.
- Previous experience in customer service, museums, tourism, or heritage organisations would be an advantage.
- Experience managing social media accounts and creating digital content is desirable.
Working Hours
The normal working hours are 9:00 am to 4:45 pm, Monday to Friday, totalling 37.5 hours per week.
Due to the nature of the role, the successful candidate will occasionally be required to work outside these hours, including evenings or weekends, when events or special functions are taking place. Reasonable notice will be provided whenever possible.
What We Offer
- An opportunity to work in a unique heritage setting.
- A varied role combining research, history, tourism, and community engagement.
- The chance to contribute to preserving and promoting the heritage of Abbeyleix.
- A supportive and friendly working environment.
Wages:
€28,860 per annum
This role is a fully on-site role
The role begins on the 7th of September 2026
Pay: €28,860.00 per year
Work Location: In person
